Sheffield’s steep streets are set to take centre stage in the cycling world as the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift brings its Grand Départ to the Steel City for the first time.
The second stage of the race will enter the area along Manchester Road, passing Ladybower Reservoir, before heading north up Mortimer Road through the Strines. Riders will then face a series of challenging climbs, including the iconic Jenkins Road.
After tackling these ascents, the route will wind past Meadowhall into the Lower Don Valley, before looping back through Attercliffe and finishing on Attercliffe Common outside the Utilita Arena.
Dave Coulson, team manager at Cycling Sheffield, highlighted the difficulty of the stage, warning it has the “potential to end some of the riders’ overall hopes”.
Despite the challenge, Coulson welcomed the event’s return, saying: “Yorkshire is the heart of cycling,” adding that there’s “lots of scope to get involved and promote Sheffield and its surrounding areas”.
It marks 13 years since the UK hosted the men’s Tour de France in 2014, when Vincenzo Nibali secured a famous solo victory before going on to win the overall Tour that year.
Reaction across Sheffield has been overwhelmingly positive. Mohammed Mahroof of Sheffield City Council said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for our city to welcome the world, celebrate our vibrant communities, and inspire people of all ages to get active.”
Local businesses are also hoping for a repeat of the economic boost seen in 2014, when shops decorated their fronts and welcomed a surge of visitors. Many are now encouraging others across the region to get involved ahead of the event.
The race also carries particular significance for women’s sport in Sheffield. The city has already hosted major events this year, including fixtures in the Netball Super League and the European Figure Skating Championships 2026.
The stage is set to take place on 31 July 2027.